‘It’s obviously unacceptable’: Richmond rainbow crosswalks vandalized
Posted August 30, 2023 11:12 am.
Last Updated August 30, 2023 12:17 pm.
The mayor of Richmond is taking a stand against hate after two rainbow crosswalks were vandalized in his city this week.
The crosswalks on Minoru Boulevard and at Palmer Secondary School were defaced with hateful graffiti Monday night. The latter had already been targeted a number of times earlier in August.
“It’s obviously unacceptable,” Mayor Malcolm Brodie told CityNews on Wednesday.
“These crosswalks are statements that say we value diversity and inclusion, we value everybody in our community, and we support them in whatever they choose to do.”
A rainbow crosswalk in Richmond that has been vandalized twice in less than a month.(CityNews Image)
He says the city was informed about the vandalism Tuesday morning, adding the “offensive graffiti” was promptly covered up once it was reported.
Brodie is pledging to restore the crosswalks if they’re vandalized again.
“Why is it happening? Who knows whether it’s adults, whether it’s kids. But someone who doesn’t like the message has chosen to deface the message. It won’t get them anywhere, but that’s what they choose to do,” he said.
“So I would ask the perpetrator, what do you hope to accomplish by doing this? It’s unlikely to persuade anybody and it’s just an unacceptable way to try to express yourself.”
A rainbow crosswalk outside Palmer Secondary School that has been vandalized twice in less than a month. (CityNews Image)
Brodie admits this is frustrating but adds this situation is not unique to his city. He says the RCMP has been made aware of the situation and is investigating.
The mayor says it doesn’t matter where exactly vandals are targeting these crossings, stressing anywhere is “absolutely unacceptable.”
“I frankly don’t care where it’s located. If it’s in the city of Richmond and you choose to vandalize this crosswalk, it’s not effective in persuading anybody of anything,” he said.
“We will continue to support all the people in our community, including those in the LGBTQ community itself.”
